Undeniably one of Chicago’s most appealing neighborhoods, Wicker Park weaves hip trends with commercial vigor to make itself a premier destination for home seekers. Situated northwest of the West Town Community and close to Bucktown, Logan Square, and the affluent Ukrainian Village, Wicker Park residents enjoy easy access to the Kennedy Expressway (1-94). This highway offers proximity to the best of the Windy City, from restaurant-strewn Damen Avenue to North Avenue’s vibrant nightlife.

A culturally diverse destination teeming with upscale eateries and bars, an assortment of markets, gyms, spas, chic boutiques, and so much more, Wicker Park offers varied housing options in an eclectic mix of towering brownstones next to sleek, contemporary condominiums. Its affluent, edgy, and architecturally stunning scene make it a hotspot for people drawn to chic, bustling areas.

Not only do people gravitate toward Wicker Park for its artistic vibe, but residents also benefit from its amenities that make life easy. Everyone from business professionals to growing families calls this highly treasured neighborhood their home.

Dining

Dive into the culinary flavor of Wicker Park to savor meals in restaurants dripping with a fine dining atmosphere full of variety.

Want some comfort food? Maybe you’re interested in crispy salmon or vanilla crunch french toast. With a mom-inspired vibe while serving inventive American cuisine in an old brick-lined cottage, Mable’s Table has got you covered. If you're feeling too tired to make breakfast, order steak tacos or a fried chicken burrito from Antique Tacos to be delivered right at your doorstep.

Craving pizza and salad? Crafts Pizza offers delicious artisanal options, from the pepper-strewn La Dolce Vita to the classic Craft Margherita. For a taste of Far East cuisine blended with Latinx classics, stroll into En Hakkore. Their Kimchi fries, sushi tacos, and miso soup are world-class. They've even got vegetarian poke bowls, and you can complement your meal with chilled sake or a soft drink.

Be sure to visit Sultan's Market for classic Middle Eastern falafels and chicken shawarma, or go full vegan at Handlebar with a plate of Nashville hot chicken and avocado grilled cheese. You’re also sure to fall in love with the funky-chic decor at The Delta as you settle in for a plate of red hot tamales and original craft cocktails. Finish your food tasting adventure with a stop at Mindy's for a hearty croissant and sweet desserts.

Shopping

You won’t want to miss out on the great shopping options offered by this bustling neighborhood. Once you've had your fill at those excellent restaurants, hop into Wicker Park's upscale boutiques for some retail therapy!

Browse the racks at Moon Voyage for a great assortment of women’s clothing, accessories, and jewelry made by small designers. If you’re looking to shop a birthday outfit for your boyfriend or husband, check out Saint Alfred’s for options ranging from trendy Adidas sneakers to smaller, more niche brands. 

Shop for housewarming gifts at Olivia’s Market, or grab some local groceries at Carnicerias Guanajuato with a possible quick taco purchase from the food counter. A walk through the glass doors of upscale Garden Gourmet will lead you to fresh farm produce, cheese, or local ground coffee. Finally, stop at Gather Home and Lifestyle for an array of home decor options to brighten up your bedroom or porch. You might even love to check out their bath and body goods, too.

Relaxation

From saunas to a meditative hike or simply reading a good book, the set-up of Wicker Parker ensures that residents are not worn out before they can unwind. Dip in a hot tub and lie down for a classic Russian massage at Red Square Spa to soften the tension in your muscles, or settle in for a facial at Mojo Spa on Milwaukee Avenue.

If a Saturday morning hike is how you relieve stress, be sure to go for a trek down the Bloomingdale Trail Head Chicago. Churchill Park is also a great place to bring your dog for a relaxing evening on the lush green grass. If you have kids, they'll love going down the slides and getting some sunshine at Dean Playground Park.

Things to do

Residents of Wicker Park enjoy a broad spectrum of local attractions, from music to art and live theater. Enjoy a fun soccer match in the fields of dog-friendly Wicker Park, or lie on the lush green grass as you watch your kids enjoy a good time in the playground.

Grab some fresh veggies and organic eggs, meat, and cheese at the Wicker Park Farmers Market, a popular community fixture, every Sunday from June through October. You can also take a stroll through the artsy halls of the Flat Iron Arts Building and immerse yourself in a mecca of visual arts, tattoo shops, costume designs, and so much more.

Want to grab some used classics to stock your library? Explore the beloved Myopic Bookstore right in the heart of Wicker Park, and consider signing up for one of their periodic poetry nights. You may also want to hop into Reckless Records for old-school vinyl plus CDs, DVDs and games, and be sure to stop by Chopin Theatre for more great live performances and arts events.

Where to stay

If you are just in Wicker Park for a short time while searching for your dream home, you’re in luck: there are plenty of fantastic hotels that are perfect for your stay. 

Walk through the stunning glass entrance of the hip FOUND Hotel, and book a stay in one of their deluxe private rooms with access to fine dining, a quaint café, and karaoke. You can also lodge at the Hyatt Place, which offers a gym and rooftop terrace with an uninterrupted view of the city.

If you prefer a homey stay, check out the modern guest rooms at Wicker Park Inn, or you could opt for a sleek suite in art-deco style The Robey, where you'll have access to a rooftop pool and upscale restaurant. Loft-style rooms are a fun idea, too, and if you go to Urban Holiday Lofts Hotel, it'd be a perfect fit, especially if you're a lover of arcade games.

Commute

With the Chicago Business District only two miles from Downtown Wicker Park, residents enjoy a quick and easy commute. Want to view the iconic "Cloud Gate" sculpture in the center of Millennium Park? The Loop is only 14 minutes by train, but be sure to estimate an added six minutes if you choose to drive down yourself. Need to shop for luxury furniture for your new residence? Take the 19-minute train to Merchandise Mart, and browse its treasure trove of showrooms and design.

With a plethora of public transportation, you can quickly get a bus anywhere from 72 North Avenue, 70 Division, 49 Western Avenue, 50 Damen Avenue, and 73 Armitage -- all of which connect to CTA rapid transit lines -- and you'll never have to worry about being late to work. There is also the 56 Milwaukee Avenue bus route which goes directly into Downtown. CTA Blue Line stops at Division connect you to Downtown, the quiet suburbs, and O’Hare airport. 

Don’t forget the Kennedy Expressway, which runs between the West Loop and O'Hare International Airport. If you prefer cycling, there is also an abundance of bike lanes stretching through all the major streets.

Schools

Living in an excellent school district increases the overall quality of any neighborhood. Luckily, Wicker Park prioritizes their educational system, so be rest assured that your kids will flourish in their school environment.

The Wicker Park area is zoned to various schools in the award-winning Chicago Public Schools District. Top choices include performing arts magnet A.N Pritzker School, highly-selective Walter Payton College Preparatory High School, and the elite Chicago High School for the Arts.

Wicker Park is also home to four parochial elementary schools: St. Nicholas Cathedral, St. Stanislaus Kostka, St. Helen, and Holy Trinity, a Catholic school that has served the community for over 100 years. 

Are you eager to explore homes for sale in Wicker Park? Contact PCR Group today. As leading Chicago real estate agents, Scott Broene and the team serve a wide range of neighborhoods from Wicker Park real estate to Ukrainian Village real estate. Their expertise and love for Chicago will guide you to find the perfect home.